[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Collaborating on Excel workbooks can be a double-edged sword. While it can help you work faster and more efficiently, it can also be very tricky. Files can break easily, and innocent human error can be hazardous and very hard to track or fix.<\/p>\n
This is a significant issue, primarily if you work with larger spreadsheets or ones that contain valuable information that you can’t risk losing. In this guide, we’ll start by taking a look at what Excel version control is. Then, we’ll take a look at the version control features that Excel has to offer.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what-is-version-control” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Version control, also called source control, is a software engineering system that allows you to track files’ changes, usually software code. It is crucial for files and documents that undergo a lot of edits and changes. A version control system automates the process of requesting data input, reviewing the submitted changes, and merging it all back into your master files.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what-is-excel-version-control” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-version-control-spreadsheet-icon.webp” alt=”Excel version control \u2014 green spreadsheet icon with lines branching out to round version nodes” title_text=”Green spreadsheet icon with lines branching out to round version nodes” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Similarly, Excel version control allows you to compare Excel spreadsheets, identify differences, and merge the changes if needed. It helps you keep your spreadsheets well-organized and consistent by automatically handling the communication flows between different team members and the consolidation of the files. To spot the differences between two workbooks yourself, see how to compare two Excel files<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-version-history-pane.webp” alt=”Excel version history \u2014 Version History pane with the current version and an earlier one marked Open Version” title_text=”Version History pane with the current version and an earlier one marked Open Version” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”what-are-the-benefits-of-excel-version-c” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Excel version control is essential, especially for Excel users who deal with large spreadsheets or ones that need constant updating as it allows you to:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-restore-a-previous-excel-version” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Excel offers version history, which only works for files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint in Microsoft 365. Excel version history allows you to keep track of all the different versions of the spreadsheets saved over time. You can view these previous versions and restore any of them if needed.<\/p>\n To restore a previous version of an Excel file:<\/p>\n For more ways to get an older copy back, including files saved on your computer, see how to restore a previous version of an Excel file<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-turn-on-autosave-in-excel” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-autosave-toggle-on.webp” alt=”Excel AutoSave \u2014 AutoSave switch turned on at the top left of the workbook” title_text=”AutoSave switch turned on at the top left of the workbook” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To restore a previous version of the Excel file, you need to have had it saved. If you’re an Excel user, you have experienced things like forgetting to save your file or accidentally pressing “Don’t Save”, making you unable to go back. This is why it’s best to automate the process of saving versions of your file regularly.<\/p>\n The Excel AutoSave feature for Microsoft 365 subscribers allows you to save your spreadsheets in real-time when you save your Excel files in OneDrive or SharePoint. To turn it on, all you have to do is:<\/p>\n 1. <\/strong>Toggle the AutoSave switch found at the top left corner of your file<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>A prompt will ask you to name the workbook if you haven’t already and select the cloud location to save it.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Press “Save”.<\/p>\n With that, you don’t even need to save your edits anymore, as Excel will save your spreadsheet continually. For files that aren’t saved to the cloud, AutoRecover in Excel<\/a> can still bring back unsaved work after a crash.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-share-your-excel-workbook” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/share-excel-workbook-send-link.webp” alt=”Share an Excel workbook \u2014 Send link panel with Anyone with the link can edit, Send and Copy link” title_text=”Send link panel with Anyone with the link can edit, Send and Copy link” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Excel’s co-authoring feature allows you and your team members to work on the same Excel workbook simultaneously. You can see which cells they’re working on and the changes they’re making as they happen.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Press the “Share” button in the upper right corner.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>Name your Excel workbook, if you haven’t already, and the location to save it.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Press the button that says “Anyone with the link can edit” to access the link settings. By default, all collaborators will be able to edit the workbook. You can change this here and other settings like setting an expiration date, a password, or preventing downloading the file.<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>Enter the name or email of your collaborator and, if needed, a message. Then, press enter.<\/p>\n 5. <\/strong>You can also press the “Copy link” button to copy the shareable link to your clipboard and press “More apps” for more options to share your file.<\/p>\n Our guide on how to share an Excel file<\/a> walks through the other sharing options.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-share-a-copy-of-your-excel-workbo” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/share-excel-workbook-send-a-copy.webp” alt=”Share a copy of an Excel workbook \u2014 Send a Copy panel with Excel Workbook and Email as Attachment” title_text=”Send a Copy panel with Excel Workbook and Email as Attachment” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Sometimes you may want to share a version of your workbook without giving your collaborators access to your master spreadsheet. In that case, it’s best to share a copy of the workbook.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Press the “Share” button in the upper right corner.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>Press the “Send a Copy” button<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Select whether you would like to send the file as an Excel workbook or a PDF.<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>Press the “Email as Attachment” button or the share button for more sharing options.<\/p>\n You will need to share copies of your Excel workbook to be able to merge them back later with your main spreadsheet. Note that Excel doesn’t offer the capabilities to share specific parts of your spreadsheet. This means that a copy of your entire workbook will be shared.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-track-changes-in-excel” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/track-changes-excel-highlight-changes.webp” alt=”Track changes in Excel \u2014 Highlight Changes dialog with Track changes while editing checked” title_text=”Highlight Changes dialog with Track changes while editing checked” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n While Excel’s co-authoring feature allows you to see changes in real-time and automatically create versions of the spreadsheet, it doesn’t provide the ability to track and review changes. However, it is still possible to use Excel’s legacy Shared Workbook feature, which was replaced with the co-authoring feature due to its many limitations.<\/p>\n The menu paths below are from Excel for Mac. In Excel for Windows, these legacy commands are hidden by default. Add them first under File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar: choose All Commands, then add Track Changes (Legacy) and Compare and Merge Workbooks.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Go to Tools > Track Changes > Highlight changes.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>Check the “Track changes while editing” box to enable tracking.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Select when you want to start highlighting changes, for whom, and for which cell range, if necessary. By leaving the boxes unchecked, you will be tracking all the changes in your workbook for all collaborators.<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>Select whether you want to enable onscreen highlighting, which outlines affected cells in different colors for different users. This is only useful for workbooks with few changes as it only provides a rudimentary glance at the changes.<\/p>\n Excel will now highlight changes for you and display a note with basic details regarding a change when you hover over it. Enabling tracking changes in Excel will prevent your workbook from using Autosave. If you have the feature turned on, it will be turned off by default.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-review-changes-in-excel” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/review-changes-excel-select-changes.webp” alt=”Review changes in Excel \u2014 Select Changes to Accept or Reject dialog with When, Who and Where” title_text=”Select Changes to Accept or Reject dialog with When, Who and Where” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Now that you can identify Excel changes, you can also decide which ones to accept or reject. This is extremely useful if you’re dealing with sensitive data and would like to review those updates separately before applying them to your main spreadsheet.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/accept-reject-changes-excel-dialog.webp” alt=”Accept or reject changes in Excel \u2014 dialog showing change 1 of 2 to cell H5 with Accept and Reject” title_text=”Dialog showing change 1 of 2 to cell H5 with Accept and Reject” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Now, dialog boxes will start showing up whenever changes are submitted. You are given a choice to accept or reject each change, or you can accept or reject them all at once.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-merge-versions-of-a-shared-excel” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/merge-excel-workbooks-highlighted-change.webp” alt=”Merge Excel workbooks \u2014 shared Business Case workbook with a change note on cell H5″ title_text=”Shared Business Case workbook with a change note on cell H5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n At this point, you shared a copy of your workbook, and you set up tracking and reviewing changes in your Excel workbook, but what happens if your collaborator submits changes? How do you apply those changes (or some of them) to your master workbook?<\/p>\n It’s time to take a look at how to merge two different versions of an Excel workbook.<\/p>\n 1. <\/strong>Go to Tools > Merge Workbooks.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>Select the Excel file you want to merge with your current one. The workbook selected must be a copy made from the same shared workbook and must maintain change history for a sufficient amount of time to be able to merge them.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Press “Ok”.<\/p>\n The changed data from the selected version will be applied to your current one. The changes will be highlighted for you to start reviewing as before.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what-are-the-excel-version-control-limit” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n As previously mentioned, the Shared Workbooks feature for Excel version control has many limitations that make it a suboptimal solution, including:<\/p>\n That’s why Excel’s Shared Workbook feature might be sufficient for personal use cases but is not recommended when dealing with larger teams or spreadsheets. In that case, consider Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform that connects your team’s spreadsheets and can consolidate Excel files automatically<\/a> into one master file, so nobody has to email copies around and merge them by hand.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" D\u00e9couvrez ce qu'est le contr\u00f4le de version dans Excel, les fonctionnalit\u00e9s qu'Excel propose pour cela et comment les utiliser pour partager, fusionner et r\u00e9viser des modifications dans Excel.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":265002,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-264992","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-excel-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264992","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264992"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264992\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/265002"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What are the benefits of Excel version control?<\/h2>\n
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How to restore a previous Excel version?<\/h2>\n
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How to turn on AutoSave in Excel?<\/h2>\n
How to share your Excel workbook?<\/h2>\n
How to share a copy of your Excel workbook?<\/h2>\n
How to track changes in Excel?<\/h2>\n
How to review changes in Excel?<\/h2>\n
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How to merge versions of a shared Excel workbook?<\/h2>\n
What are the Excel version control limitations?<\/h2>\n
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